Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Some models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The most effective automatic hoover robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify toys, pet foods and other items that could block the path of the machine or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.

Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in most circumstances however they can get hung up on items that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.

Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and may be forced to push it to the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a cat or dog you may have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).

The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ objects detection to identify what is in the front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Whether you have allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session, a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned far less often than the bin on the robot's own.

Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.

A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum bot (Highly recommended Reading).

A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and set them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will continue where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one move.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will help you avoid a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.

The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide great value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and they have a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great for saving time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning robots for home. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot or you often forget to mop or sweep.

Many of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to clean them thoroughly.

Some models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these features.

You can find self-cleaning robot vacuums vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price point.

We have the best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuum cleaner reviews vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.